Importance of Early Reading

This year’s National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 featured the book Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake Minton. Children across Australia and beyond came together to share in the joy of reading this story simultaneously.

Now in its 26th year, NSS is one of Australia’s largest collective reading events, with over 2.2 million participants from more than 16,000 locations joining in last year. This powerful initiative highlights the importance of building strong early literacy foundations and fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Research and national literacy priorities continue to emphasise the critical role of early reading experiences in a child’s development. Events such as NSS help children see reading as enjoyable, shared and meaningful, while also strengthening vocabulary, comprehension and imagination.

The story Luna Roo celebrates themes of teamwork, resilience and perseverance, reflecting the kinds of skills and attitudes we aim to nurture in our early learners.

We strongly encourage families to support this learning journey at home by:

• visiting your local library regularly
• making time each day to read together
• sharing stories aloud and discussing them
• encouraging children to explore books that interest them

These simple but powerful routines play a significant role in developing confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love of reading.

Sally Savic – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Woodlea)
Melanie Morton – Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School (Maddingley)

Maddingley

Junior Art News

It has been an exciting start to Term 2 in Art in the Maddingley Junior School. Students from Prep to Year 4 have created some amazing art pieces with a focus on paint and printing, experimenting with acrylic, ink wash and watercolour paints.

Prep Reception students have been learning about primary and secondary colours and discovering what happens when two primary colours are mixed together.

Students in Prep have been introduced to a range of different line and brush techniques and have enjoyed applying these techniques to their work to create some beautiful art pieces, including a beautiful caterpillar.

The Year 1’s have created a foam plate flower design which they used to demonstrate their printing skills. They were able to print and mount some beautiful metallic flowers.

In Year 2, students have been consolidating their knowledge of the colour wheel and have demonstrated their understanding of primary, secondary and complimentary colours through their works of art.

Our Year 3 students have been learning about double loading painting techniques and, inspired by Vincent van Gogh, have been painting their own version of The Starry Night.

Students in Year 4 have enjoyed discussing the still-life paintings of artists such as Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne, using the work of these artists as inspiration to create their own still-life watercolour fruit bowl.

Junior School students at Maddingley have enjoyed admiring the work of their peers through regular gallery walks.

Maddingley Junior Art Teachers

Woodlea

National Simultaneous Storytime

On 27 May, our Junior School students proudly participated in National Simultaneous Storytime, joining schools and communities across Australia in sharing a rich and engaging literacy experience. This year’s text, Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller, captivated students and sparked wonderful discussion and imagination across all year levels.

Throughout the day, classes engaged deeply with the story, exploring its themes, characters, and messages. National Simultaneous Storytime highlights the importance of reading as a shared experience, fostering a sense of connection and community while building students’ comprehension and love of literature.

Following the reading, students extended their understanding through a range of creative activities. From visual art and craft to writing and dramatic responses, each class had the opportunity to interpret the story in their own unique way. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, creativity, and engagement across the Junior School, with students proudly sharing their ideas and learning.

We are proud of the way our students embrace reading and storytelling, and events such as National Simultaneous Storytime play an important role in nurturing a lifelong love of books.

Courtney Williams – Deputy Head of Junior School (Woodlea)

Junior Art Classes

In the Junior School Art program at Woodlea (Prep–Year 4), students have been busy exploring a wide range of techniques, artists and creative ideas.

Our Prep students have focused on developing their painting skills, creating vibrant autumn leaf artworks and exploring an impressionist style through their own versions of Monet’s Japanese Bridge. They have been learning how to use colour, brush control and layering to bring their ideas to life.

In Year 1, students have been building on their creativity through a variety of engaging projects. They created striking x-ray fish inspired by First Nations art, learning about pattern and symbolism. They have also enjoyed designing colourful chameleons and autumn leaf artworks. These projects have supported their understanding of colour, line and texture while encouraging imaginative thinking.

Year 2 students explored the work of Vincent van Gogh by creating their own sunflower artworks, focusing on expressive brushstrokes and bold colour choices. They will now begin a new unit inspired by Japanese-themed art in which they will continue to develop their skills and explore different cultural influences in art.

In Year 3, students have been working on a comprehensive project focused on the Elements of Art, building their understanding of line, shape, colour, texture and form through a range of activities. While Year 4 students have combined both 2D and 3D art forms, creating clay turtles and refining their drawing skills through detailed turtle sketches.

A reminder that the Portrait Competition is currently open, with entries due on May 29. We look forward to seeing the wonderful artworks submitted and winners will be announced in the following weeks.

Woodlea Art Team

What’s Happening in Year 2?

This term, Year 2 students have been immersed in an exciting learning journey exploring the culture and traditions of Japan. Students investigated famous Japanese landmarks, traditional clothing and the similarities and differences between life in Japan and Australia. They have particularly enjoyed learning about Japanese traditions and discovering how cultures around the world can be both unique and connected.

Students enjoyed learning to count in Japanese and were very excited to work alongside the Year 10 Japanese students. The Year 10’s taught us songs, body parts and how to count to 10 in Japanese. It was wonderful to see the older students supporting and encouraging our younger learners; and the Year 2 students absolutely loved practising their new Japanese words throughout the day!

As part of our cultural learning, students had the opportunity to dress in 2 different types of traditional Japanese kimonos. They learned about when kimonos are worn, the meaning behind the beautiful patterns and colours and how traditional clothing reflects Japanese culture and history. Students also had a fantastic time designing and decorating their own kimono artworks using bright colours, detailed patterns and creative symbols inspired by traditional Japanese designs such as cherry blossoms, waves and flowers.

It has been wonderful to see the excitement and curiosity students have shown throughout this unit as they continue developing their understanding and appreciation of cultures around the world.

The Year Two Teachers